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The Slidell, La., City Council says it could not work a raise for city workers into the $41.5 million budget, even though councilors want to grant them one. Workers are paid about 30% "below the market," Personnel Director Rene Johnson says. She wants to increase pay so they make about 5% "above market." "We just don't have the money," Councilman Buddy Lloyd said.

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A bridge in Atlantic City, N.J., has unexpectedly closed after the city engineer declared the structure unstable, police say. The bridge is one of more than 600 in the state deemed "structurally deficient" by the Federal Highway Administration.

The U.S. Open is expected to produce an economic impact of more than $100 million in the five-county Philadelphia region, where the golf tournament is being hosted, according to the USGA. One of the biggest sources of income will come from overseas visitors, who are booking a full week of lodging and planning to add tourism and shopping after the tournament is over.

About 10 homeless-advocacy groups have testified at a New York City Council hearing about sex trafficking among homeless youth. The groups urged the council to secure a $12.6 million budget for services for runaway and homeless youth and an additional $1.5 million to expand those services.

The Slidell, La., City Council will seek an opinion on term limits from the state attorney general. Under the city charter, councilors are limited to two terms in a district seat and two terms in an at-large seat, with each term lasting four years. However, it is unclear whether councilors who have served a partial term can run for re-election twice. All nine seats are up for election this year, and the attorney general's opinion could affect three councilors.

Entrepreneurs forced to slash traditional ad budgets in the face of a faltering economy can still keep in front of their customers through newer forms of Internet advertising. IAB President and CEO Randall Rothenberg notes that online advertising is better positioned to grow in the economic downturn than other media because it blurs the distinction between "above the line" brand advertising and "below the line" pushes for coupons, sales and bargains aimed at existing customers.